While lot of people, spend their holidays, here I was backpacking …taking endless opportunities to meet new people, mingle in new culture, trying new food and be a better person day by day.. I call it a meditation.. really that’s what traveling does to me. It keeps my soul at peace, gives energy to go on with every day chaos… !
To me, traveling is more than just movement—it is meditation in motion. The rhythm of the road keeps my soul at peace, helping me detach from the chaos of everyday life and allowing me to embrace the simplicity of existence. The unpredictability, the challenges, and the sheer spontaneity of each day give me the energy to keep going, to keep exploring, and to keep learning.
The unscripted journey
I was supposed to travel with my buddies, but last minute everyone laughed at me and said that plan is over! But I was determined this time that come what may I am going only forward there’s no going back. I challenged myself and just went into unknown as I was so frustrated with the dependency on others to travel. But it was one of the best experiences I ever had so far!
Every day on the road is a blank slate, an unwritten chapter filled with possibilities. Unlike a meticulously planned vacation, my journey unfolds organically. I never know what the day holds—who I will meet, what I will eat (or if I will get to eat at all), how I will travel (a local bus, a shared taxi, or perhaps the front seat of a rickety Sumo).
Accommodation is just as unpredictable. One night, I might find myself in a cozy homestay, the next in a lodge, or maybe even under a sky full of stars in a tent. There are days when a warm shower is a luxury, and others when I simply make do with a splash of cold water. At times, I shiver in a room with no heater when the temperature drops to 3 degrees, and yet, the discomforts are insignificant compared to the joy of the journey. The experiences outweigh the inconveniences, and with an open mind, everything becomes part of the adventure.
Steps That Lead to Discovery
The trip took us through thousands of steps, quite literally. We trekked for hours, climbing up and down steep trails, only to be rewarded with breathtaking views. The sight of majestic waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs, the thrill of walking through naturally formed caves, and the awe of standing on ancient living root bridges—these were experiences that no photograph could ever truly capture.
Each place had its own unique charm, its own story to tell, and every step brought me closer to understanding both the world and myself.
Twelve days of magic
This particular 12-day journey was nothing short of magical. Every moment, every interaction, and every challenge became a story in itself. I met some of the most interesting people from around the world, forming friendships that felt like they had existed for a lifetime. We shared laughter, stories, and meals, connecting through our shared love for exploration.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the journey was camping by the crystal-clear Umngot River. As the river reflected the shimmering stars above, we sat by the bonfire, swapping tales and soaking in the tranquility of nature. The simplicity of those moments—sleeping in tents, cooking under the open sky, and waking up to the gentle sound of flowing water—was more fulfilling than any luxury resort could ever offer.
Adventures in simplicity
Traveling on a budget is not just a choice but a way of life. It means taking the local bus, haggling for fair fares, and embracing the unexpected. There were times when lunch was nothing but a simple bowl of Maggi noodles, yet it felt like a feast after an exhausting trek. The true essence of travel lies in these moments of simplicity—in sharing a meal with strangers, in finding joy in the little things, and in realizing that happiness does not come from comfort but from experiences.
Boating through serene waters, navigating narrow alleys of small villages, hopping onto the back of a truck for an impromptu ride—every single experience added a new layer to my understanding of travel. It was about being open to everything, embracing every situation, and welcoming the unexpected with a smile.
A journey worth reliving
This journey was more than just a trip—it was a lifetime experience, a collection of stories that I will carry with me forever. Every moment, every challenge, and every person I met contributed to this incredible adventure. It reaffirmed my belief that traveling is not about checking destinations off a list but about immersing oneself in the journey, about letting go of expectations and allowing life to unfold naturally.
There are countless stories left untold, adventures yet to be written, and moments that I will cherish forever. I could write in detail about every single experience, but for now, I leave it at this—an adventure that changed me, a journey that made me richer, and a story that continues to unfold with every new place I explore.
Looking forward to more such adventures, to more lessons, and to more memories that will last a lifetime.
Love
Shweta